'A profoundly human guy': Rob Ford honoured by colleagues, friends

Former Toronto mayor Rob Ford is being remembered by friends and colleagues for his "dedication" to public service and his "fierce love" for the city.

Ford died Tuesday morning at the age of 46 after a battle with cancer.

The Ford family issued a statement on Tuesday announcing news of the former mayor's passing.

"A dedicated man of the people, Councillor Ford spent his life serving the citizens of Toronto," the statement said. "The family asks that you respect their privacy and join them in their grieving and their prayers."

"Uncle Rob, you have fought the good fight long enough and now can rest in peace. Love you and will miss you," he said.

Toronto Mayor John Tory issued a statement offering his condolences to the Ford family, and noting the former mayor's unique ability to connect with others.

"As a councillor, mayor and private citizen, Rob Ford reached out directly to people across the city with a phone call, an offer of advice or support, and I know there are many who were affected by his gregarious nature and approach to public service," Tory said.

"His time in city hall included moments of kindness, of generosity to his council colleagues and real efforts to do what he thought was best for Toronto. He was, above all else, a profoundly human guy whose presence in our city will be missed."

Tory said Ford was a man who loved the city, loved people and “was true to himself.”

Other politicians from across the country also offered tributes to Ford.

"My condolences and best wishes to the Ford family today," Trudeau said.

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne noted Ford's "determined" political style that characterized much of his career in politics.

"Rob Ford earned widespread respect for his unwavering persistence in the face of serious health concerns – which he summed up in a statement released from his hospital bed during the 2014 (mayoral) campaign: 'Be strong, stay positive and never, ever give up,'" she said.

Conservative interim Leader Rona Ambrose remembered Ford as a "tireless fighter for the taxpayer and a true advocate for the people he represented."

"His goal was to serve the people of Toronto the best way he knew how," she said. "Despite the challenges he fought and the controversies he faced, it is my sincere hope that Canadians will remember Rob Ford for his enduring love for his community and country, and his dedication to his constituents.”

Former prime minister Stephen Harper also offered his condolences on Twitter.

Rob was a fighter throughout life & dedicated public servant who will be remembered for his courage, love for Toronto & his family. 1/2

Ford, who made headlines around the world after admitting to smoking crack cocaine in 2013, became acquaintances with many celebrities during the last years of his term as mayor. Many of those people also paid tribute to Ford.

Condolences to the family and fans of @TorontoRobFord - an unforgettable guy who loved his job and city like few men I've met.

Jerry Ageymang, a man who worked for a period of time as Ford's driver, tweeted out a touching old photo of the two sitting in council chambers. In it, Ford appears to be laughing, head in his hands, while Ageymang sits next to him, smiling widely.